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Monday, 6 October 2008

I can't imagine who'd actually be reading this (apart from YOU, Ruth Beedle), but welcome to my very first ever blog! It's all very exciting.

Ironically, I don't actually have anything particularly exciting to say. I'm hoping to finally launch my little etsy shop in the next couple of weeks, so I guess I'd better crack on with the jewellery making. I got back from a week in Scotland on Saturday (Edinburgh, to be precise), and I spent a bloody fortune on vintage treasures! If you've never been to Edinburgh, I strongly recommend that you visit, especially if you're into history and curios like me. The shopkeepers there are all really nice and friendly, and are more than happy to tell you other places to find great vintage.

Here are the shops that I recommend:

Trinket 18 William Street, Edinburghhttp://www.trinketjewels.co.uk/This shop maybe small, but it's got some real treasures. A stunning array of broaches and handbags, as well as compacts that are in excellent condition. Not only that, but the shop owner has cleverly filled these compacts with brand new Max Factor face powder, so they're practical as well as pretty! The ladies that run Tricket are also lovely and extremely helpful. Definitely stop by if you can!

GodivaThe Grass Market, Edinburghhttp://www.godivaboutique.co.ukI read about this shop in i-on magazine (VERY handy for finding where the good shops are, plus it's FREE in most shops! - http://www.blogger.com/www.ionmagazine.co.uk), and it didn't disappoint. The shop has a reasonable size vintage collection, but also boasts designs by fashion students and local designers. I got a really nice vintage tweed jacket that has been customised by a Spanish designer. I can't work out her name unfortunately, as the label is faded, but I've had nothing but compliments on it. They also offer a 10% discount for students! Definitely worth a look.

Cavanagh Antique Shoppe49 Cockburn Street, EdinburghUnfortunately, this shop doesn't have a website, but that's because it's a very small family-run business. And yes, it is as adorable as it sounds! The shop has been owned by Mr and Mrs Cavanagh since the 70s, and is still run by them today along with their son, Simon. Having been in the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh for a good while, they've picked up some lovely antique pieces, and have a fantastic range of costume jewelery that is extremely well-priced. Their broaches are particularly lovely. If you're near the Royal Mile, pop in and see them. They're a lovely family, and you won't be disappointed.

Richard Wood Antiques 66 West Port, EdinburghAnother very small antique and curios shop, but that is not to say they don't have a fantastic range. I was shocked at the reasonable prices too, as I was able to pick up some Victorian perfume bottles for roughly £10 each. Apparently these guys travel far and wide (to France, the man told me) to get good quality pieces to sell at a decent price, and it definitely shows. They also have a huge collection of books, so there's something for everyone.

Barnardos Vintage116 West Bow, Edinburghwww.myspace.com/barnardosvintageThis was an excellent find; a charity shop that specialises in vintage! Moral, guilt-free vintage shopping? What could be better? This shop, although small, has an excellent range of retro clothing, as well as an impressive range of sunglasses! They also sell all sorts of bits and bobs, all of it in brilliant condition. I found two skirts in there, including a rather special vintage kilt that I can't wait to give an airing. Also, because it's a charity shop, the prices are very, very good. Definitely pop in if you get the chance!

And that's about it for now. Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to visit all of the places suggested to me by the lovely ladies in Trinket, but I'll definitely be back to hunt for more goodies! I've already made a start on some jewellery with the pieces I picked up in Edinburgh, so perhaps I will upload some photos soon.

Thanks for reading, anyway. I will be writing again soon, so please come back! Please?